Sports
Season of Trophies: Nigerian Footballers Leave Their Marks Across Europe
![Season of Trophies: Nigerian Footballers Leave Their Marks Across Europe Season of Trophies: Nigerian Footballers Leave Their Marks Across Europe](https://brilanet.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/27083852/gettyimages-2154298815-612x612-1.jpg)
Among the standout performers are Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella, the dynamic Super Eagles duo, celebrated both the Bundesliga title and the DFB Pokal with Bayer Leverkusen.
In the English football scene, Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho made waves by guiding Leicester City to the English Championship title, propelling the club back into the Premier League.
Meanwhile, midfielder Joe Aribo played a pivotal role in Southampton’s journey to victory in the Championship Playoff, securing their return to the Premier League after defeating Leeds United 1-0 in the final.
![Joe Aribo](https://brilanet.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/27144055/20240527_075229-650x1156.jpg)
Southampton midfielder, Joe Aribo holds up his EFL Championship playoff winner’s medal.
Ademola Lookman emerged as a hero for Atalanta, as his hat-trick performance in the Europa League final propelled the Italian side to their first-ever European trophy.
Furthermore, Lookman’s efforts ensured Atalanta’s qualification for the prestigious UEFA Champions League.
In Greece, William Troost-Ekong’s PAOK Salonika emerged victorious in the Super Lig, while Raphael Onyedika contributed significantly to Club Brugge’s triumph in the Belgian League, coupled with a victory in the Belgian Cup.
![Raphael Onyedika](https://brilanet.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/27144249/20240527_075647-650x866.jpg)
![Raphael Onyedika](https://brilanet.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/27144249/20240527_075647-650x866.jpg)
Raphael Onyedika hoists the Belgian Pro League trophy.
Turning to Scotland, Cyriel Dessers and Leon Balogun celebrated victory in the Scottish League Cup, although they suffered disappointment in the Cup final and narrowly missed out on the league title to Celtic.
Nevertheless, their impressive performances have earned them a spot in the upcoming Champions League campaign.
Peter Olayinka rounded off the Nigerian success story by clinching the domestic double with Red Star Belgrade in Serbia, further solidifying his status as a decorated player with a career trophy tally of 10.
![Peter Olayinka](https://brilanet.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/27143853/20240527_075528-650x995.jpg)
![Peter Olayinka](https://brilanet.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/27143853/20240527_075528-650x995.jpg)
Peter Olayinka poses with the silverwares won with Red Star Belgrade this season.
In Turkey, Bright Osayi-Samuel played a crucial role in Fenerbahçe’s qualification for the UEFA Champions League, despite narrowly missing out on the league title despite an impressive 99 points.
Kenneth Omeruo’s contributions helped Kasimpasa secure a spot in the Europa League, while Paul Onuachu’s Trabzonspor emerged as runners-up in the Turkish Cup.
In France, Gift Orban’s Lyon secured qualification for the Europa League next season, despite a setback in the French Cup final against PSG.
The remarkable achievements of these Super Eagles stars underscore their growing influence and contribution to the European football landscape.
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